Department for Transport

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Procurement

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Oakervee Review of HS2, published on 11 February, and before they issue a Notice to Proceed for Phase 1 of HS2, what plans they have to ensure that HS2 Ltd achieves a satisfactory position with each of the Main Works Civils contractors in order to obtain acceptable Stage 2 prices and a reasonable level of value engineering; and whereHS2 Ltd cannot achieve a satisfactory position with each of the Main Works Civils contractors, whether they will re-procureany suchcontracts before a Notice to Proceed isissued.

baroness vere of norbiton: Notice-to-Proceed is a contractual step between HS2 Ltd and its Main Works Civils contractors. The Government will provide an update in due course.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to Conclusion 59 of the Oakervee Review of HS2, published on 11 February, whetherthe Department for Transportwill update and publish a revised business case for the whole HS2 project, including the latest costs and benefits for the project, before a Notice to Proceed on Phase 1 is issued.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Government has committed to publish the Full Business Case for HS2 Phase One, to set out the evidence underpinning this element of the scheme. The Government will provide an update in due course. HS2 is a crucial investment, not just in our transport network but in the wider UK economy. It will provide thousands of extra seats, help level up our country and play a key role in helping government reach its 2050 carbon net zero objective.

High Speed Two

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that HS2 Ltd deliver the required improvements in its capability before a Notice to Proceed is issued for HS2 Phase 1 in line with the assurance given by HS2 Ltd to the Oakervee Review of HS2, published on 11 February.

baroness vere of norbiton: As the Prime Minister made clear in his statement to Parliament on 11 February, changes are needed to be made to ensure that HS2 is properly managed and its potential fully realised. In line with this, HS2 Ltd has and continues to take steps to enhance its organisational capability. The Government will provide an update in due course.

Aviation: Coronavirus

lord davies of gower: To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they plan to give to flying schools and clubs whose operations have been disrupted by measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

baroness vere of norbiton: The aviation industry, including General Aviation, is in an increasingly difficult financial position with significantly reduced demand. A number of measures to support the industry have already been announced, including Time to Pay support with taxes, financial support for employees. and the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). The Government is working urgently to develop further measures, as necessary HMRC is ready to provide guidance and support as appropriate to all businesses and self-employed individuals who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to Coronavirus.

Aviation: Coronavirus

lord davies of gower: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to temporarily defer the regulatory deadlines and charges on(1) airports, and (2) airlines, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is working with airlines and airports to consider the use of established flexibility within the regulatory framework to help manage and mitigate the impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak. It has also decided to delay the implementation of its recently proposed charge increases for three months to assist the UK aviation industry. More widely, the Government is urgently considering additional options to provide support to the UK aviation industry. A number of measures which could support the sector have already been announced, including Time to Pay, financial support for employees, and the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). We recognise that the current situation is increasingly difficult for the transport sector and, across Government, we are engaging with the sector’s leadership to support workers, businesses and passengers

Airports: Coronavirus

lord davies of gower: To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial support they plan to give large airports which are forced to remain open as key national infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Government recognises that airports are critical in enabling essential air services across the country and overseas, including getting Britons home from abroad, delivering essential supplies, and connecting isolated communities. We are working to make sure that a network of infrastructure remains in place across the UK to continue to deliver these services. Measures announced by the Chancellor in recent days, including a scheme for firms to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills and financial support for employees, are available to the sector to draw upon during this period. Ministers and officials at the DfT will continue to stay in close contact with the aviation sector, so that the Government is kept fully aware of the latest developments and understands where additional policy measures could address specific industry issues, and can therefore ensure UK nationals overseas are able to return home and that freight continues to flow in and out of the country

Regional Airports

lord greaves: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the future need for (1) passenger, and (2) freight, air services between major regional centres in Great Britain including those between South West England, the Midlands, and the North of England and Scotland; and what plans, if any, they have to provide such services directly when necessary on a similar basis to directly operated railway franchises.

baroness vere of norbiton: The aviation sector is important to the UK economy. Her Majesty’s Government recognises that airports, which provide those passenger and freight air services, are vital for providing domestic and global connectivity, employment opportunities, and a hub for local transport. We continuously engage with the industry to ensure the connectivity needs of the UK are met.

Aviation: Coronavirus

lord kirkhope of harrogate: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to extend the deadlines for Class 1 and 2 aviation medicals which are due to expire during the period of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

baroness vere of norbiton: The UK’s priority is to ensure aviation safety is upheld while also reducing any additional burdens on Aero-medical Examiners and GPs during this period. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has already granted an exemption to holders of a Part-MED Class 1 medical certificate that expires before 31st October 2020. Holders of such a medical certificate will continue to have their medicals validated until 22nd November 2020. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which the UK is a member of, is currently considering action in relation to Class 2 medicals. We anticipate those affected by the deadline to be minimal as a routine revalidation for Class 1 and 2 medical certificates only applies where certificates have been expired for less than two years. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make any appropriate changes necessary.

Aviation: Coronavirus

viscount waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plansthey have to ensure that (1) during, and (2) after, the grounding of any aircraft due to the COVID-19pandemic all (a)UK registered commercial aircraft comply with air worthiness certification, and (b) commercial aircraft registered outside the UK comply with valid air worthiness certification to enable entering UK air space.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is working with UK airlines to understand their plans for the storage of aircraft due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines have provided to the CAA their plans to maintain aircraft whilst in storage to ensure compliance with the regulations on continuing airworthiness. The CAA will check UK airlines continue to comply with these regulations as the aircraft return to service. The CAA will also continue to audit aircraft registered in other states to check that they are in compliance with the international standards contained in the Chicago Convention through the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

New Zealand: Coronavirus

lord bourne of aberystwyth: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support UK citizens who are seeking to return to the UK from New Zealand who are affected by that country's lockdown due to COVID-19.

lord goldsmith of richmond park: The Foreign Secretary announced on 30 March a new partnership between the Government and airlines to fly home more stranded British travelers, where commercial routes do not exist. The Government will provide up to £75 million financial support to enable special charter flights to priority countries, operated by airlines including Virgin, Easyjet, Jet 2, Titan and British Airways. This service has already begun, with flights from Peru, Senegal, UAE, Ecuador, Bolivia, Ghana, Algeria and Tunisia as of 6th April.The British Government is working around the clock to support British Nationals as we respond to this global pandemic. The British High Commission in Wellington has established an online registration system, allowing High Commission staff to track and directly communicate with British Nationals in need of assistance, in particular the most vulnerable. This includes regular updates through email and on social media platforms. There has been an extensive drawdown of commercial flights out of New Zealand to regional hubs, reducing significantly the options for British Nationals to depart New Zealand. We are engaging commercial airlines and international governments, encouraging them to keep commercial routes open, in particular in transit hubs.

Department for Education

Apprentices: Coronavirus

lord aberdare: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that apprentices, including those on higher and degree courses, will have their courses funded to completion, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness berridge: We understand that apprentices, including those undertaking higher level and degree apprenticeships, may face disruption to their learning as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.We are supporting employers and training and assessment providers to make use of distance-learning tools, wherever it is possible and practicable to do so, to enable as many people as possible to continue with and complete their apprenticeships.We recognise that some apprentices may be unable to undertake training at present and that training providers may not currently be able to deliver it. We have therefore temporarily changed the funding rules to allow employers and providers to initiate a break in learning of over 4 weeks to ensure that apprentices can promptly resume their learning when they can do so.Funding remains available for all apprentices continuing their apprenticeships, including higher level and degree apprenticeships.Further guidance for apprentices, employers and providers can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response.We are keeping this guidance under review and will publish updates as the situation evolves.

Apprentices: Coronavirus

lord aberdare: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to provide funding to public sector training providers for the breaks in learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as opposed to these funds being drawn from employers' levy funding.

baroness berridge: We are working with training providers, end-point assessment organisations and external quality assurance organisations during this challenging time to support employers and apprentices.We are encouraging training providers to deliver training to apprentices remotely and via e-learning as far as it is practicable. Where that is not possible and a break in learning of more than 4 weeks is necessary, payments to the training provider will be suspended for the duration of the break in learning. For levy-paying employers, this means that payments from their apprenticeship service accounts will be paused. Further guidance for employers and training providers is available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response.Where the COVID-19 outbreak results in loss of income due to ceased or reduced delivery of training, training providers should consider their eligibility and apply for the wide range of financial support that HM Treasury has announced for businesses. Full details of this substantial package of support can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses.

Apprentices: Recruitment

baroness garden of frognal: To ask Her Majesty's Government what incentives and support they plan to provide to encourage employers to continue to recruit apprentices in the coming months.

baroness berridge: This is a difficult time for apprentices, employers and providers of apprenticeship training, assessment and external assurance. We are committed to supporting apprentices and employers so that we can continue to build the skills capabilities that the country needs. While we recognise that many employers will not feel that they are in a position to recruit apprentices during a period of considerable uncertainty, a comprehensive package of support remains available to those that do.Employers can still use the apprenticeship service to find a suitable provider, advertise vacancies and manage the recruitment of apprentices. In January 2020, we began rolling out all aspects of the service to smaller employers that do not pay the levy, giving them more control over accessing funding for their apprenticeship choices. This roll-out is continuing, with smaller employers able to reserve funding for new apprenticeship starts through the apprenticeship service.We provide financial incentives to businesses interested in recruiting apprentices, including paying 95% of training costs for employers that do not pay the levy. The government meets the full cost of training for the smallest employers (those with under 50 employees) for 16 to 18 year old apprentices and some 19 to 24 year old apprentices. We also provide additional payments of £1,000 to both the employer and provider for hiring and training 16 to 18 year olds and for 19 to 24 year olds who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.Guidance on the measures that we are taking to help employers retain their apprentices and plan with more certainty can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response.This will continue to be updated as the situation develops. We are also planning a number of campaigns to stimulate employer interest in the recruitment of apprentices during the period of economic recovery from COVID-19.

Education: Coronavirus

baroness massey of darwen: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the provision of online tuition adequately educates those children and young people, particularly those who live in poverty or who are otherwise vulnerable, who are not in school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness berridge: Since Friday 20 March, schools have been closed except for children of critical workers and vulnerable children. Attending school can be a protective factor, which is why vulnerable children are eligible for continued provision.We recognise that many schools have already shared resources for children who are at home, and are grateful for this.We are working with the BBC and other partners to provide access and support directly to parents, including online resources they can access for their children at home, and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has announced a package of high-quality resources:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extra-support-for-schools-and-parents-to-help-cope-with-coronavirus.We will consider accessibility throughout the development of any advice, and ask that schools do the same.

Christ Church College: Criminal Investigation

lord myners: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Charity Commission about anyinvestigation of the governance of Christ Church College, University of Oxford.

baroness berridge: There have been no discussions. Registered higher education (HE) providers’ governance arrangements are matters for the Office for Students (OfS) – the independent regulator of higher education in England. The OfS requires all registered providers to meet the public interest governance principles, and if providers fall short the OfS has powers to intervene.All HE providers, whether registered or not, are autonomous and self-regulating, and the government can only intervene where statute allows.

Children: Coronavirus

lord watson of invergowrie: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the context of the Coronavirus Act 2020, schools will be given discretionary powers to ensure that vulnerable pupils who do not have an official social care status can remain in school.

baroness berridge: Supporting vulnerable children is a priority at this time. That is why, on Wednesday 18 March, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced that schools will remain open for vulnerable children, alongside children of critical workers. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with education, health and care plans.Leaders of educational settings and designated safeguarding leads know best who their most vulnerable children are and will have the flexibility to offer a place to those on the edges of receiving children’s social care support, who do not have an official social care status, to remain in school if they believe it is in the best interests of the child.

Children: Coronavirus

lord watson of invergowrie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to work with charities and other agencies to ensure that vulnerable children are identified and receive the support they require during the period of school closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness berridge: We are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable children and young people, particularly during the current period. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with education, health and care plans. Schools and other education settings should continue to offer places to vulnerable children alongside the children of critical workers. We have also given leaders of educational settings and designated safeguarding leads the flexibility to offer a place to those children on the edges of receiving children’s social care support, who do not have an official social care status.We have asked education providers to work closely with the local authority, and other organisations where relevant, to enable the identification of vulnerable children, and ensure they are offered an education place where applicable.The department is in regular contact with charities and other agencies, particularly during this period. These organisations play a vital role and provide valuable feedback and insight that will help us to support vulnerable children at this time.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Retail Trade: Coronavirus

lord roberts of llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to make sure there is sufficient stock in shops.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Government has well-established ways of working with the food industry during disruption to supply situations. Our retailers already have highly resilient supply chains and they are working around the clock to ensure people have the food and products they need. The industry has adapted quickly to changes in demand, and food supply into and across the UK is resilient.To help the industry, the Government has already introduced new measures to keep food supply flowing. We have temporarily relaxed elements of competition law to enable supermarkets to work more closely together to ensure people can access the products they need. Food retailers are now able to share data on their stock levels, cooperate to keep stores open and share staff, distribution depots and delivery vehicles. This is helping keep shops open and staffed and better able to meet high demand. Guidance has been issued to local authorities to show flexibility to allow extended delivery hours to supermarkets to ensure shelves can be replenished more quickly. The Transport Secretary has also announced a temporary and limited relaxation of the drivers’ hours rules so that more goods can be delivered to every store every day. We welcome the actions that the industry is taking, including hiring more staff, and prioritising delivery slots for those that need them most.Representatives of our leading supermarkets have asked customers to shop considerately and we echo their call. Retailers have provided reassurance that there is plenty of stock available if people shop considerately and buy only what they need.We are grateful for the extensive support and positive collaboration that the industry has shown. We should be proud of all those across the country who are working tirelessly to make sure people have the food they need.

Home Office

Immigration: EU Nationals

baroness hamwee: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many refusals they have made to provide information to a data subject by using the exemption in Schedule 2, paragraph 4 to the Data Protection Act 2018 in connection with (1) applications for settled status under the EU Settled Status Scheme, and (2) grants of pre-settled status when settled status has been applied for.

baroness williams of trafford: We do not hold data on specific types of applications, therefore cannot provide information pertaining to EUSS applicants who made a Subject Access Request.The immigration exemption can only be applied where it is necessary and proportionate to do so, and where to uphold a data subject request would be likely to prejudice the maintenance of effective immigration control.The immigration exemption is not a blanket measure, and its use is justified on a case by case basis. In nearly all cases the immigration exemption applies to a limited amount of data and the majority of data held is disclosed to the requestor.

Asylum: Finance

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to suspend all terminations of asylum support temporarily as part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness williams of trafford: Following public health guidance, we have put in place a number of measures to support people in the asylum system who are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, including working closely with providers to make sure the most vulnerable people within the system receive the support they need.

Immigration Officers: Northern Ireland

baroness ritchie of downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether immigration officers exercising the powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 in Northern Ireland will fall under the complaints remit of the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

baroness williams of trafford: The powers for immigration officers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 will be exercised following prior consultation with public health officers where that is practicable and, where that is not practicable, in accordance with public health guidance.Any action undertaken by Border Force or Immigration Enforcement officers in exercising these powers would be subject to the set of complaints procedures which may be found on Gov.uk.

Disease Control: Coronavirus

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce further penalties for those who do not comply with the rules surrounding the restriction of movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness williams of trafford: The Emergency Bill will allow police officers to support and enforce the public health measures in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.This includes powers to detain and place individuals in appropriate isolation facilities, if necessary. The situation will be monitored carefully and further proportionate measures may be taken to support compliance in order to protect public health.

Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus

lord watson of invergowrie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, in the context of the Coronavirus Act 2020, of the need to protect children without an Education, Health and Care plan who may live in households where there is domestic abuse.

baroness williams of trafford: Domestic abuse is a devastating crime. We fully recognise the severe impact it has on both victims and their children, and that many of them may feel even more vulnerable during social distancing and self-isolation.The Government is liaising with specialist domestic abuse service providers and local authorities to monitor and assess the impact of social distancing on victims of domestic abuse and their children, and to ensure that sources of advice and support continue to be available to them.Schools have been asked to continue to provide care for vulnerable children including those who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, and those on child protection plans. We are working with schools and local authorities to help identify the children who most need support at this time.

Cabinet Office

Cleaning Services: Staff

baroness mcintosh of pickering: To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria are used to determine key workers; and what plans they have to add cleaners to the published list.

lord true: The position remains, as outlined on gov.uk, that everyone who can work from home should do so.Where that is not possible, people should go into work where it is safe and they are not symptomatic, isolating or shielding. Relevant guidance including from PHE should be followed.In terms of the provision of education for certain workers, it is already the case that cleaners working in, for example, hospitals and social care could be eligible as long as "their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service". This is set out on gov.uk.The Government has placed restrictions on the operations of certain businesses as part of the strategy of enhanced social distancing. Separate guidance has been published on this and is also available on gov.uk.

Schools: Coronavirus

lord harris of haringey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to including (1) building maintenance engineers, (2) personnel supporting the critical lifeline utilities, and (3) non-police security staff, in the list of essential staff whose children can continue to be admitted to schools during theCOVID-19 pandemic.

lord true: The position remains, as outlined on gov.uk, that everyone who can work from home should do so.Where that is not possible, people should go into work where it is safe and they are not symptomatic, isolating or shielding. Relevant guidance including from PHE should be followed.In terms of the provision of education for certain workers, it is already the case that in certain cases the staff listed above could be eligible as long as "their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service". This is set out on gov.uk.The Government has placed restrictions on the operations of certain businesses as part of the strategy of enhanced social distancing. Separate guidance has been published on this and is also available on gov.uk.

Treasury

Aviation: Coronavirus

lord davies of gower: To ask Her Majesty's Government what temporary tax relief they plan to give (1) airlines, and (2) airports, during the period in which their operations are limited to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

lord agnew of oulton: The aviation sector is important to the UK economy, and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital and financial support for employees. As Air Passenger Duty is paid on a per passenger basis, the recent decline in passenger demand will have resulted in a significant reduction in liability for airlines. HMRC are also ready to help businesses, including airlines and airports, in financial difficulty due to the coronavirus, through the Time to Pay Scheme.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Electronic Government

lord fink: To ask Her Majesty's Government when HMRC will launch the online portal to facilitate the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government expects the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to be in place by the end of April, including a new online portal through which businesses can access the Scheme. The Scheme is a significant programme of work, and one of many Coronavirus-related changes and programmes that are being implemented at present. Nonetheless, HM Revenue and Customs are working at pace to allow the Scheme to be up and running. Guidance for employers and employees has already been published on GOV.UK.

Job Retention Scheme

lord fink: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to issue advice on the steps needed to put employees into furlough.

lord agnew of oulton: Guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was published on 26 March for both employers and employees. The guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme. This is an unprecedented jobs retention scheme and the Government has been working hard over the last two weeks to set out further details on the scheme. The Government will continue to review the guidance and publish further updates if necessary.

Dental Services: Non-domestic Rates

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to extend business rate exemptions to include dental practices.

lord agnew of oulton: The Government has provided a comprehensive, coordinated and coherent response to what is a serious and evolving economic situation, including the expanded business rates holiday announced on 17 March. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published guidance for local authorities on the implementation of this holiday on 18 March, updated on 25 March. This guidance does not extend business rates relief to properties providing medical services, including dental practices, which have not been required to close to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are no plans to amend this guidance further. Dental practices will have access to other support. NHS England have agreed to fully remunerate dentists holding or working on NHS contracts for the routine NHS work they would have otherwise undertaken during the pandemic.  All businesses, including those not eligible for business rates relief, will benefit from the wider package of measures that the Government has set out to support businesses through this period of disruption. This includes the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for small and medium-sized businesses, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment, a statutory sick pay relief package, and a dedicated HMRC COVID-19 helpline to support businesses in need.